Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to send another update on my progress, as I know this information will help a lot of you!
At 7 weeks post-op I am truly feeling more and more "normal" by the day. I am only taking occasional tylenol as needed. I still get sore when sleeping from being in the same position for extended time, and I still have sore spots when getting up from laying down or sitting back on a chair/couch. But, my pain level is really nothing what I expected at this point. I am very happy to say I was able to get off the Dilaudid, and I recognize others are on heavy pain killers for a lot longer.
I had tingly sensations for a few weeks in my left side, which has now almost completely gone away. I still have a bit of numbness in my very lower abdomen and back, and both areas are a slight bit swollen (which thankfully clothes hides well). The middle of my incision is still completely numb, an area that was originally about the size of a melon and now about the size of a softball. My scar is still a bit itchy from the steri strips (I left them on way too long, over 4 weeks).. and I am using Bio Oil on the scar almost every day for conditioning and fading.
I am walking almost every single day and doing a minimum of 2.25-2.5 miles each time. I did something sort of crazy 2 days ago, I actually walked over 5 miles to a friend's house - and most of it was UPHILL. I was thinking, I am not even sure I'm supposed to be walking this much. By the end I felt a bit winded and my legs were sore, but my back didn't bother me at all.
I started driving last week. I wouldn't say my back "hurts" while driving, but it is not the most comfortable thing to do. My muscles feel like they're moving and not completely ready to work just yet. Driving is just one of the things that I felt surprised how much we use our back muscles to do! Anyway, it is nice to have some independence back.
I went shopping by myself and I didn't last long - I was worn out quickly and I felt that carrying things in a store, as well as my purse, was pushing it. But, again it was nice to do something on my own. I know this will all get easier in no time at all.
One little issue I'm having is a minor sciatica in my right leg (I'm guessing that's what it is, anyway). It is a sharp, nerve-type feeling that goes from my butt down my leg. It is not terrible and just happens occasionally, but when it happens it catches me a bit off-guard. My question is, does anyone know if walking "too much" can irritate this? Should I be resting more? I hope that's not the answer .
I go back to work in 2 weeks. I am very happy to have some more time to get my stamina back, as I still feel like I have improving to do. Also I do a lot of walking in my commute and I am hoping the "sciatica" gets better by then.
All minor aches aside, I feel really great.
I'll send another update soon!
Just wanted to send another update on my progress, as I know this information will help a lot of you!
At 7 weeks post-op I am truly feeling more and more "normal" by the day. I am only taking occasional tylenol as needed. I still get sore when sleeping from being in the same position for extended time, and I still have sore spots when getting up from laying down or sitting back on a chair/couch. But, my pain level is really nothing what I expected at this point. I am very happy to say I was able to get off the Dilaudid, and I recognize others are on heavy pain killers for a lot longer.
I had tingly sensations for a few weeks in my left side, which has now almost completely gone away. I still have a bit of numbness in my very lower abdomen and back, and both areas are a slight bit swollen (which thankfully clothes hides well). The middle of my incision is still completely numb, an area that was originally about the size of a melon and now about the size of a softball. My scar is still a bit itchy from the steri strips (I left them on way too long, over 4 weeks).. and I am using Bio Oil on the scar almost every day for conditioning and fading.
I am walking almost every single day and doing a minimum of 2.25-2.5 miles each time. I did something sort of crazy 2 days ago, I actually walked over 5 miles to a friend's house - and most of it was UPHILL. I was thinking, I am not even sure I'm supposed to be walking this much. By the end I felt a bit winded and my legs were sore, but my back didn't bother me at all.
I started driving last week. I wouldn't say my back "hurts" while driving, but it is not the most comfortable thing to do. My muscles feel like they're moving and not completely ready to work just yet. Driving is just one of the things that I felt surprised how much we use our back muscles to do! Anyway, it is nice to have some independence back.
I went shopping by myself and I didn't last long - I was worn out quickly and I felt that carrying things in a store, as well as my purse, was pushing it. But, again it was nice to do something on my own. I know this will all get easier in no time at all.
One little issue I'm having is a minor sciatica in my right leg (I'm guessing that's what it is, anyway). It is a sharp, nerve-type feeling that goes from my butt down my leg. It is not terrible and just happens occasionally, but when it happens it catches me a bit off-guard. My question is, does anyone know if walking "too much" can irritate this? Should I be resting more? I hope that's not the answer .
I go back to work in 2 weeks. I am very happy to have some more time to get my stamina back, as I still feel like I have improving to do. Also I do a lot of walking in my commute and I am hoping the "sciatica" gets better by then.
All minor aches aside, I feel really great.
I'll send another update soon!
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